The ultimate guide to travel Vietnam with kids

Traveling in Vietnam with kids and wondering if it’s truly family-friendly?
From busy cities and long distances to unfamiliar food and activities, planning a trip with children can feel overwhelming at first. This guide is here to help, offering practical tips, kid-friendly destinations, and everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable family journey.

Why Vietnam Is a Surprising Paradise for Young Families? 

Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination for young families thanks to its unique blend of culture, affordability, and child-friendly attitudes:

• Family-centered culture: Children are warmly welcomed in daily life, from restaurants and hotels to local markets, making parents feel comfortable traveling with kids.
• Affordable travel costs: Reasonably priced accommodations, meals, and transportation help families manage their budget without sacrificing comfort.
• Rich cultural experiences: Traditional festivals, historical sites, and hands-on activities introduce children to new cultures in an engaging way.
• Kid-friendly activities: Beaches, nature parks, lantern-making workshops, and light outdoor adventures suit young children well.
• Warm hospitality: Vietnamese locals are often patient, helpful, and understanding toward families traveling with young kids.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam with Kids

Vietnam’s weather varies by region, so choosing the right time to travel can make a big difference when you’re visiting with kids:

• Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa)

The most comfortable time to visit is September to March, when temperatures are cooler, and rainfall is lower. 

Families should avoid May to August due to intense heat and humidity, and be prepared for colder weather in December to February, especially in mountainous areas like Sa Pa.

• Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue):

January to August is ideal for family travel, offering warm, dry conditions suitable for beaches and outdoor activities. 

It’s best to avoid September to November, as heavy rain and storms can disrupt plans.

• Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

The south stays warm year-round, but the rainy season from May to August can bring short, heavy showers. Families visiting during this time should plan flexible schedules or focus on indoor and coastal activities.

Family travel tip: To avoid the “big heat” or “big rain,” plan your trip during cooler, drier months and schedule outdoor activities earlier in the day for a more comfortable experience with kids.

Entry Requirements & Health

Before traveling to Vietnam with kids, it’s important for families to understand visa requirements and basic health precautions to ensure a smooth and safe trip.

Visa Requirements for Families

Most travelers, including children, must have a valid visa to enter Vietnam, unless they are from a visa-exempt country.

• Vietnam offers e-visas, which are convenient for families traveling together
• Children under 14 years old sharing a parent’s passport must be included in the parent’s e-visa application. Children with their passports must submit separate e-visa applications.
• Passports should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date

Parents are advised to check visa rules early, as requirements may vary by nationality.

Health & Vaccinations

Vietnam is generally safe for family travel, but taking basic health precautions is recommended, especially when traveling with young children.

• Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
• Commonly recommended vaccines may include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid, depending on travel plans
• Consult a healthcare provider before departure, particularly for infants or children with medical conditions

General Health Tips for Traveling with Kids

• Pack a basic medical kit, including fever medicine, oral rehydration salts, and insect repellent
• Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth
• Apply sun protection and encourage frequent hydration, especially in hot weather

Top Destinations To Go In Vietnam With Kids 

Northern Vietnam

Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital combines history, culture, and fun experiences for families. Children can enjoy cyclo rides through the Old Quarter, traditional water puppet shows at Thang Long Theatre, or hands-on activities at Bat Trang Pottery Village. Cultural sites like the Temple of Literature are easy to explore with kids.

Ha Long Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is a highlight for families. Family-friendly cruises provide spacious cabins, short cave visits, and gentle boat activities without physical strain. 

Ninh Binh
Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh features gentle boat rides in Trang An or Tam Coc, surrounded by limestone mountains and rice fields. These calm activities are suitable for kids, with Bai Dinh Pagoda adding a cultural experience.

Sapa
Sapa’s cool climate, terraced rice fields, and ethnic villages make it a refreshing family getaway. Visit ethnic villages or explore local markets, such as Bac Ha Market, are enjoyable and educational for children.

Central Vietnam

Da Nang
With clean beaches like My Khe, Da Nang is perfect for family beach time. Kids love the Dragon Bridge’s fire and water show on weekends, while Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge offer fun and unique sightseeing experiences.

Hoi An
Hoi An is one of the most family-friendly towns in Vietnam. Children can take part in lantern-making workshops, bike through rice paddies, or enjoy the magical lantern-lit streets in the evening.

Hue
The former imperial capital offers relaxed sightseeing, including the Imperial City and scenic boat trips along the Perfume River. Dong Ba Market is colorful and lively, keeping kids engaged.

Southern Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City
A dynamic city blending history and modern life. Families can visit Ben Thanh Market, explore interactive museums, or take a short trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels for a historical learning experience.

Mekong Delta
A 1–2 day Mekong Delta tour introduces kids to floating markets, tropical fruit gardens, and peaceful canal boat rides. Cai Rang Floating Market is especially exciting for children.

Phu Quoc
This tropical island is ideal for families, with white-sand beaches, clear waters, fishing, and entertainment complexes like VinWonders to keep kids entertained.

Nha Trang
Known for beaches and water activities, Nha Trang is perfect for active families. Island-hopping tours and Vinpearl Land amusement park are major highlights for children.

Looking for more ideas? Don’t miss our full guide to the 10 best family vacation destinations in Vietnam to help you plan a fun, safe, and stress-free trip with your kids. 

Transportation & Logistics in Vietnam for Families

Getting around Vietnam with kids is manageable when families choose the right transportation options. Below are the safest and most family-friendly ways to travel.

Navigating Vietnam’s “Motorbike Chaos” Safely

• Vietnam’s streets are dominated by motorbikes, which can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors.
• Families with children should avoid motorbike travel, especially with young kids.
• Use cars, taxis, or private transfers instead for better safety and comfort.
• When crossing streets, walk slowly and confidently as a group – traffic usually flows around pedestrians.

Using Grab (Car): The Most Convenient Option

GrabCar is widely available in major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. It is also an ideal option for short city trips and daily sightseeing. Some benefits for families include:

• Clear pricing shown in advance
• Air-conditioned vehicles
• Easy booking via mobile app
• Suitable for kids and luggage

Domestic Flights vs. Overnight Trains (Which Is Better for Kids?)

Domestic flights

• Best for long distances between regions
• Save time and reduce travel fatigue for children
• Wide network connecting major tourist cities

Overnight trains

• Suitable for older children
• Sleeper cabins offer a “travel adventure” experience
• Help families save one night of accommodation
• Slower than flights but more scenic and relaxing

Accommodation Tips for Families in Vietnam

Best Types of Accommodation for Families

• Family-friendly hotels (3–5 stars): Offer spacious rooms, elevators, daily housekeeping, and on-site restaurants.
• Serviced apartments: Ideal for longer stays, featuring separate bedrooms, kitchens, and laundry facilities.
• Beach resorts: Popular in Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang, often providing kid-friendly pools, play areas, and family-oriented services.

What to Look for When Traveling with Kids? 

• Family rooms or interconnecting rooms
• Elevators and stroller-friendly access
• Quiet locations, away from nightlife and heavy traffic
• On-site dining or room service for convenience
• Swimming pools with shallow areas suitable for children

Location Matters

• Stay close to the main attractions or city centers to reduce travel time with kids.
• In cities, choose hotels near parks, pedestrian areas, or calm neighborhoods.
• In beach destinations, resorts with private or easy beach access are ideal for families.

Kid’s Clubs vs. Interconnecting Rooms: Which Is Better?

Kid’s clubs

• Best for children aged 4 and above
• Offer supervised games, creative activities, and entertainment
• Allow parents some free time while kids play safely
• Common in resorts and family-friendly cruises

Interconnecting rooms

• Better for families with younger children or multiple kids
• Provide more space and privacy while keeping everyone close
• Widely available in city and mid-range hotels

Family Accommodation Tip

Families with toddlers often prefer interconnecting rooms, while those traveling with older children may benefit more from accommodations offering kid’s clubs.

Planning a relaxing family cruise experience? Don’t forget to check out our guide to friendly family cruises in Ha Long Bay.

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Vietnam offers families a perfect balance of safe transportation, comfortable accommodation, and kid-friendly destinations. With thoughtful planning, traveling in Vietnam with children can be easy, enjoyable, and worry-free.

Contact us if you need personalized guidance or support to plan a smooth, family-friendly trip to Vietnam.

Hotline: +84.862.897.858 (Whatsapp/Viber/WeChat)

Email:  support@vietimpressiontravel.com